Malawi’s Vice President, Saulos Chilima, has been confirmed dead after a plane crash in Chikangawa Forest.
The military aircraft carrying him and nine others disappeared from radar during bad weather on Monday morning.
President Lazarus Chakwera announced that search teams found the wreckage with no survivors.
President Chakwera expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, highlighting Dr. Chilima’s significant role and their alliance since the 2020 elections.
Dr. Chilima, 51, was en route to attend a former minister’s funeral. Also on board was former First Lady Shanil Dzimbiri.
The plane, departing from Lilongwe, was forced to turn back due to poor visibility and crashed.
Dr. Chilima, Vice President since 2014, was admired, especially by the youth. He had faced corruption charges in 2022, which were later dropped.
He leaves behind his wife, Mary, and two children, Sean and Elizabeth.
President Chakwera assured that the military is handling the remains and funeral details will follow. This sad event marks a significant loss for Malawi.
(Adapted from BBC)
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c722vpp1ndro